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Jabal Thabir is one of the highest mountains in the region of Makkah, located east of the city, north of the valley of Mina. It is famous in Islamic tradition for its role as a landmark during the rites of Hajj.
'Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه (reported by 'Amr ibn Maymun, after the dawn prayer at Muzdalifah) explains that the pre-Islamic Arabs used to wait for the sun to rise over Jabal Thabir before leaving Muzdalifah. The Prophet ﷺ changed this practice:
> "The polytheists would not leave [Muzdalifah] before sunrise, and they used to say: 'Shine, O Thabir!' The Prophet ﷺ opposed them and departed before sunrise."
Sahih al-Bukhari no. 1684
This hadith teaches two fundamental things: Islam opposes pre-Islamic superstitious practices, and the departure from Muzdalifah must take place before sunrise.
Rising to about 800 metres, Jabal Thabir dominates the landscape east of Makkah. It is visible from several areas of the Haram in clear weather.
The climb is possible but physically demanding (several hours and good fitness). The summit offers a panoramic view over the valley of Mina, the plain of Arafat, and the surrounding mountains. The climb has no ritual value — it is a personal step of historical observation.